What clothing do you wear for cold weather (<32 F)?

Pitti

Pitti

Rookie
Hi. What kind of clothing do you wear for playing matches in cold weather (less than 32 F, some wind, maybe some fog)? I have a match tonight and I'm not sure of what kind of clothing should I wear, so that I'm not cold... but not uncomfortably hot or wet.

I used a few days ago a climacool (or climalite... not sure) shirt under a polyester runners long sleeve "jacket". When I warmed up and started feeling uncomfortably hot, I took my jacket off, so I was comfortable. But after half an hour of playing at the same intensity and with some sweat on my shirt, I ended up feeling really cold whenever the wind blew up.

I have some generic cotton shirts too, but I'm not sure if using them is a great idea on this conditions. Does anyone use them for cold weather playing as a base layer?

Thank you!
 
AS an old guy, I cant stand being cold, but jackets and/or sweatshirts and warm up pants, just mess me up, cant seem to move or swing well in them.

I prefer a compression short sleeve undershirt, then a regular short sleeve tennis shirt, then arm sleeves. Wristbands keep out the cold on my wrists.
I've seen guys wear golf gloves for their fingers, but I dont care for that, I just stuff my hands under my armpits until the point is ready to start.
(maybe that is why I'm only getting fist bumps and not handshakes post match? hmmmmmm)

waist down, I go with poly bicycle length compression shorts under regular tennis shorts, and runner's compression calf sleeves, knees are exposed. regular socks and shoes.
I have tried the full length compression tights, but they just dont feel right.

This seems to work best for me in keeping me warm, while allowing freedom of movement. the arm sleeves can be easily removed or added back in quickly to adjust.

btw, playing in extreme cold, drop your string tension.... a lot...
 
Compression tights are great, heck full on underarmor cold gear if you wanna spring the $$

I'd wear a jacket or sweater and pants while warming up and probably remove the top in favor of just a t-shirt or t-shirt and close gear once warm but before sweating (I don't like playing in sleeves on my arm, but don't mind on my legs).

I agree that I don't like the feel of gloves, but make sure to throw on your jacket between end changes and start warm. Hot hands would probably be good to have in your pocket.

Also like Stapletonj said, lower string tensions are bueno
 
I have recently added a layer of very thin goose jacket on top of my layer of Underarmour ColdGear & warm up jacket.

Beanies on top, but that doesn't work well to block sun obviously.

Not fun to play in cold, but a good 10 minute warm up, jogging around the court and stretching makes a big difference.
 
McLovin said:
...I refuse to play in temps below 50. I used to play in sub-freezing all the time (hell, it snowed during one of my college matches...and we played on...), but as I got older I started to run into back/neck problems. All it takes is a cold breeze across the back of my sweaty neck, and I'm essentially paralyzed.

No thanks, I'll pass...
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As you get older fewer players are willing to play in the cold. Then, with no one playing, the nets are removed till March/April when HS kids need to practice.
 
n8dawg6 said:
i drink bourbon so i can be warm on the inside
Click to expand...
Welcome To The Dog Pound,
cleveland-brown-fan-in-the-dog-pound-watches-his-team-play-at-in-picture-id72500720
 
Get yerself some of those charcoal hand warmers and keep at least 1-2 in each pocket. You might be able to wear a glove on your left (or off) hand, but probably not on the right. Having the hand warmers in the pockets will allow you to quickly warm up at each break, no matter how brief it may be.

I play in these temps too. Granted I grew up in very cold weather, but I don't have much of a problem with the rest of my body. Watch the wind though - it might not be that bad if winds are calm but will feel drastically worse if 10-15 mph or more.
 
Heat your balls in a microwave, then wrap them with a warm gel pack. Never leave your balls on the cold ground long.
 
Layers. I tend to avoid thermal base layers as can be tricky to regulate the temperature as you heat up. Merino wool base Layers are a good choice.
but I like to have a choice of layer. So maybe a base layer, wicking t shirt, quarter zip or technical sweatshirt, body warmer or coat.
I can then add and remove items as temperature (mine and weather) changes

I have rain and drizzle as more of A challenge in the UK. Bought a castore Sweatshirt that is 100% waterproof on Black Friday. Simply stunning piece of clothing For winter leagues.
 
Pitti said:
Hi. What kind of clothing do you wear for playing matches in cold weather (less than 32 F, some wind, maybe some fog)? I have a match tonight and I'm not sure of what kind of clothing should I wear, so that I'm not cold... but not uncomfortably hot or wet.

I used a few days ago a climacool (or climalite... not sure) shirt under a polyester runners long sleeve "jacket". When I warmed up and started feeling uncomfortably hot, I took my jacket off, so I was comfortable. But after half an hour of playing at the same intensity and with some sweat on my shirt, I ended up feeling really cold whenever the wind blew up.

I have some generic cotton shirts too, but I'm not sure if using them is a great idea on this conditions. Does anyone use them for cold weather playing as a base layer?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
What I wear on cold tournaments is a shirt, pair of shorts, but then I wear adidas tiro training/soccer pants over my shorts and a jacket called the Nike element 3.0 which is great for warmth but still comfort.
 
McLovin said:
...I refuse to play in temps below 50. I used to play in sub-freezing all the time (hell, it snowed during one of my college matches...and we played on...), but as I got older I started to run into back/neck problems. All it takes is a cold breeze across the back of my sweaty neck, and I'm essentially paralyzed.

No thanks, I'll pass...
Click to expand...
No wonder so many snowbirds in Florida,
 
McLovin said:
Lol. Yes, my parents became “official New Yorkers” 5 years ago after they stopped migrating and moved to Florida permanently...
Click to expand...
Hit with guys who migrate but they are single, retired, or have fam in Fla, Tx, Mexico, or even Hawaii. Couples, different world

Btw, been in Ky, SC, NC and winter tennis is possible
 
Hi, and thank you everyone for answering. Playing in the cold is not ideal, but still, I'd rather play in the cold than not play at all.

Yesterday I ended up playing with a sligthly thicker polyester shirt, and the runners jacket, without taking it off during the match. I also used long "runner leggings" (is that how you call them?) under my regular tennis short pants. Not as uncomfortable as I could expected. I also used a neck gaiter. Overall, I was warm enough but not excessively warm. I will try a similar approach for my upcoming winter matches, although I may still try some variations.

As for the match (my first doubles match in 10 years...) we obviously lost. 6-1 6-3. The first set was awful by our part and we lost it in less than half an hour. The second one was way better, and even if we lost 6-3, we managed to create our rivals some difficulties... although they still continued pressing us (the set lasted around 80 minutes). Not bad to be my first doubles in a while... and to be pIaying in my team with a random guy so that we didn't know each other. I will definitely try doubles again when the opportunity arises. It's very different from singles. The match ended just when I was starting to succeed in my "net crossing".
 
I wear different types of ski suits. Sometimes cross-country suits (when not too cold) or alpine ski suits. When we're talking about temperature around zero and below in Celsius.
 
BorgCash said:
I wear different types of ski suits. Sometimes cross-country suits (when not too cold) or alpine ski suits. When we're talking about temperature around zero and below in Celsius.
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And the balls??? Rarely could play/hit longer than 45 minutes with those ice balls
 
I've shoveled snow off before to play. I don't like my neck to get cold. If it's really bad (less than 20*F), I'll wear winter golf gloves. I just wear a hoodie (sweatshirt) and shorts. I'll still sweat but I won't take off or put on anything else. First rule, do not take anything off until you're done playing. It's better to be sweaty and warm than cold and wet. The wind is brutal. I don't like feeling sweat on my legs inside of sweatpants. If really cold, I'll wear a long sleeve t-shirt under my hoodie. I suppose tights would be good but I've never needed anything else.

I do try to avoid windy and cold.

Are you really even a tennis player if you only play in perfect conditions?

Reminds me of a golfer at a high school I taught at many years ago. She had a full scholarship to play at a major D1 program. She was a favorite to win the Ohio High School Championship and shot 10-15 strokes above her average at the tournament. I asked her what went wrong. She'd never played in such windy and cold conditions. Needless to say, she never made it much further.
 
dak95_00 said:
Are you really even a tennis player if you only play in perfect conditions?

Reminds me of a golfer at a high school I taught at many years ago. She had a full scholarship to play at a major D1 program. She was a favorite to win the Ohio High School Championship and shot 10-15 strokes above her average at the tournament. I asked her what went wrong. She'd never played in such windy and cold conditions. Needless to say, she never made it much further.
Click to expand...

Why not? I like to play tennis in perfect conditions. I play indoors if the temperature goes about 95F or when it rains, windy, cold, etc... There is nothing wrong with that. It is not like my salary depends on playing tennis in the cold.
 
bobleenov1963 said:
Why not? I like to play tennis in perfect conditions. I play indoors if the temperature goes about 95F or when it rains, windy, cold, etc... There is nothing wrong with that. It is not like my salary depends on playing tennis in the cold.
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That is what changed in the past 10-15 yrs. Guys got old, have money, left town in the winter, nets are down. Suddenly, indoor court walk-onto empty courts became cheap.................................$40-50/mo for unlimited walk-on privileges. Why brave the cold when there are perfect conditions with unlimited balls?
 
Ronaldo said:
That is what changed in the past 10-15 yrs. Guys got old, have money, left town in the winter, nets are down. Suddenly, indoor court walk-onto empty courts became cheap.................................$40-50/mo for unlimited walk-on privileges. Why brave the cold when there are perfect conditions with unlimited balls?
Click to expand...

If I just had to pay that during the winter months, I’m all for it. Although $480-600 for a year isn’t bad either. Air conditioned too?

The only thing that would make it an absolute no brainer would be 24 hour access. I’d find someone to play at 5am before I go to work. That would be a great way to start every work day!

@bobleenov1963
It just says you either only play for fun or are very, very wealthy. Only playing in perfect conditions also suggests you can’t handle adversity in an opponent as well. It’s my opinion only and I mean no disrespect. It’s just an opinion. I can play for fun and exercise too but I like it more when I’m playing matches for something. Physical and mental toughness are important when something is on the line in play. Again, it’s just my opinion and assumption and I mean no disrespect or harm.
 
Believe the courts are open from either 6 or 7 am till 11 pm. If the bar is open maybe 12 midnite. Usually pay for an outdoor only membership then indoors from November to April.
 
Whenever it’s cold I love to put on my hoodie, some comfy pants, socks, a warm hat and my boots of course. I also wear a scarf sometimes. And if it’s really cold, I advice you to wear a ski mask.
 
I put ski base layers, and then wear normal tennis shorts and T-shirts.
 
dak95_00 said:
@bobleenov1963It just says you either only play for fun or are very, very wealthy. Only playing in perfect conditions also suggests you can’t handle adversity in an opponent as well. It’s my opinion only and I mean no disrespect. It’s just an opinion. I can play for fun and exercise too but I like it more when I’m playing matches for something. Physical and mental toughness are important when something is on the line in play. Again, it’s just my opinion and assumption and I mean no disrespect or harm.
Click to expand...

LOL... None at all. I am 50 years old and I don't feel like playing competitively anymore. Most of the times, I hang out with my tennis buddies, about 10 of them, and play just for fun. We even bring alcohol, wine, cognac and beer to the tennis and enjoy while we're playing. None of us take it seriously. On Saturday and Sunday when we play, we normally hire a couple of young guns 12 UTR to hit with us for about 4 hours when we hang out at the tennis court, about $40/hour per player, about $320 for both players. Each one of us will chip in $32 per head. The rule is none of us is willing to run so they have to hit the ball right at us. After tennis, we all go out for lunch, including the players we hire for hitting. It is a great way to hang out with friends and tennis on weekends.

I already have enough adversity at work so I really do not need to create one on the tennis court :p
 
bobleenov1963 said:
LOL... None at all. I am 50 years old and I don't feel like playing competitively anymore. Most of the times, I hang out with my tennis buddies, about 10 of them, and play just for fun. We even bring alcohol, wine, cognac and beer to the tennis and enjoy while we're playing. None of us take it seriously. On Saturday and Sunday when we play, we normally hire a couple of young guns 12 UTR to hit with us for about 4 hours when we hang out at the tennis court, about $40/hour per player, about $320 for both players. Each one of us will chip in $32 per head. The rule is none of us is willing to run so they have to hit the ball right at us. After tennis, we all go out for lunch, including the players we hire for hitting. It is a great way to hang out with friends and tennis on weekends.

I already have enough adversity at work so I really do not need to create one on the tennis court :p
Click to expand...

Yes, we smuggle a bit of the bubbly onto the court too,
5676.jpg
 
I go simply some kind of sweat pants with pockets. Then, a snug fitting t-shirt, a loose fitting t-shirt, with a sweater vest over it all. I am able to move completely freely and never get cold.
 
Pitti said:
Hi, and thank you everyone for answering. Playing in the cold is not ideal, but still, I'd rather play in the cold than not play at all.

Yesterday I ended up playing with a sligthly thicker polyester shirt, and the runners jacket, without taking it off during the match. I also used long "runner leggings" (is that how you call them?) under my regular tennis short pants. Not as uncomfortable as I could expected. I also used a neck gaiter. Overall, I was warm enough but not excessively warm. I will try a similar approach for my upcoming winter matches, although I may still try some variations.

As for the match (my first doubles match in 10 years...) we obviously lost. 6-1 6-3. The first set was awful by our part and we lost it in less than half an hour. The second one was way better, and even if we lost 6-3, we managed to create our rivals some difficulties... although they still continued pressing us (the set lasted around 80 minutes). Not bad to be my first doubles in a while... and to be pIaying in my team with a random guy so that we didn't know each other. I will definitely try doubles again when the opportunity arises. It's very different from singles. The match ended just when I was starting to succeed in my "net crossing".
Click to expand...
@Pitti
Answered this question at the beginning of this week's episode ;)

Talk Tennis Podcast - Tennis Warehouse

www.tennis-warehouse.com www.tennis-warehouse.com

Hope that helps!
Michelle, TW
 
Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm legging under my short.
Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm top under my shirt.
For the top only, I take the woman model in L to fit perfectly like a compression shirt. It is incredibly comfy, warm and I can move my arms without any discomfort. Just perfect.
 
liftordie said:
Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm legging under my short.
Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm top under my shirt.
For the top only, I take the woman model in L to fit perfectly like a compression shirt. It is incredibly comfy, warm and I can move my arms without any discomfort. Just perfect.
Click to expand...
Any Disney Graphic Heattech tops?
a92c1bff5ddef694ffb9d2a5171a8481
 
+1 Uniqlo makes very affordable winter layers, when it's cold I play in their HeatTech longsleeve shirt line (Extrawarm or Ultrawarm, with ultra being the warmest). They keep a good deal of heat in and still allow full range of motion, super comfortable and soft. Highly recommend!
 
Pajamas and sit next to the fireplace.
Definitely no place to be on a tennis court below 50F (or even 60) as the strings feel like the board and balls are not bouncing at all.
 
Cyclone said:
+1 Uniqlo makes very affordable winter layers, when it's cold I play in their HeatTech longsleeve shirt line (Extrawarm or Ultrawarm, with ultra being the warmest). They keep a good deal of heat in and still allow full range of motion, super comfortable and soft. Highly recommend!
Click to expand...
Da best choice man! :cool:(y)
 
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